Electrosurgical system having a sensor for monitoring smoke or aerosols

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical system includes an evacuator apparatus and a sensor. The evacuator apparatus evacuates aerosol and smoke generated during application of electrosurgical energy. The sensor is operatively coupled to the evacuator apparatus and senses the aerosol and smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and smoke. The sensor operatively communicates the data to the evacuator apparatus and the evacuator apparatus evacuates the aerosol and smoke as a function of the data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of a U.S.Patent Application filed Aug. 11, 2008 also entitled “ELECTROSURGICALSYSTEM HAVING A SENSOR FOR MONITORING SMOKE OR AEROSOLS”, having Ser.No. 12/189,272, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an electrosurgical systemfor treating tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure isdirected to an electrosurgical system having a sensor for monitoringsmoke or aerosols.

2. Background of Related Art

Electrosurgery involves the application of electricity and/orelectromagnetic energy to cut, dissect, ablate, coagulate, seal tissue,or other wise treat biological tissue during a surgical procedure.Additionally, certain electrosurgical modes invoke the application ofelectric spark to biological tissue, for example, human flesh or thetissue of internal organs, without significant cutting. The spark isproduced by bursts of radio-frequency electrical energy generated froman appropriate electrosurgical generator. Generally, fulguration is usedto coagulate, cut or blend body tissue. Coagulation is defined as aprocess of desiccating tissue wherein the tissue cells are ruptured anddehydrated/dried. Electrosurgical cutting, on the other hand, includesapplying an electrical spark to tissue in order to produce a cutting ordividing effect. Blending includes the function of cutting combined withthe production of a hemostasis effect.

Generally, electrosurgery utilizes an energy generator, an activeelectrode and a return electrode. The energy generator generates anelectromagnetic wave (referred to herein as “electrosurgical energy”),typically above 100 kilohertz to avoid muscle and/or nerve stimulationbetween the active and return electrodes when applied to tissue. Duringelectrosurgery, current generated by the electrosurgical generator isconducted through the patient's tissue disposed between the twoelectrodes. The electrosurgical energy is returned to theelectrosurgical source via a return electrode pad positioned under apatient (i.e., a monopolar system configuration) or a smaller returnelectrode positionable in bodily contact with or immediately adjacent tothe surgical site (i.e., a bipolar system configuration). The currentcauses the tissue to heat up as the electromagnetic wave overcomes thetissue's impedance. Although many other variables affect the totalheating of the tissue, usually more current density directly correlatesto increased heating.

Electrosurgical instruments have become widely used by surgeons inrecent years. Accordingly, a need has developed for equipment andinstruments, which are easy to handle, and are reliable and safe in anoperating environment. Most electrosurgical instruments are hand-heldinstruments, e.g., an electrosurgical pencil, which transferelectrosurgical energy to a tissue site. During surgery, theseelectrosurgical instruments generally produce an aerosol or plume(typically referred to as “smoke” by surgeons) when organic material(e.g., the tissue of the patient) is being vaporized. The aerosolcreated by the vaporization of the organic material is offensive andpossibly hazardous when inhaled. The aerosol may include gases such ascarbon monoxide as well as solids or liquids suspended in the gas. Inaddition, the aerosol may include virions, which may be infectious.

The aerosol or smoke may be aspirated by a conventional suction tubeheld near the site of the electrosurgical procedure by an assistant.Unfortunately, this method can be inefficient since it requires the fulltime attention of the assistant. In addition, the placement of theoften-bulky suction tube in the operative field of the surgeon mayobstruct the surgeon's view. These suction tubes also typically operateon a continuous basis and create substantial noise levels during surgerythus potentially interfering with normal operating room dialogue.

Accordingly, electrosurgical instruments sometimes include integratedsystems for aspirating the plume produced by the electrosurgicalinstruments during the electrosurgical procedures as well as foraspirating excess blood of bodily fluids prior to coagulating theremaining vessels have been developed. Electrosurgical instruments havebeen developed which include an aspirating system including a suctiontube having at least one suction opening disposed in close proximity tothe active electrode and a proximal end, which is in fluid communicationwith a remote source of vacuum, such as a fluid pump.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to an electrosurgical systemthat can treat tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure isdirected to an electrosurgical system having a sensor for monitoringsmoke or aerosols.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgical system,an electrosurgical system includes an evacuator apparatus and a sensor.The evacuator apparatus evacuates aerosol and smoke generated duringapplication of electrosurgical energy. The sensor is operatively coupledto the evacuator apparatus and senses the aerosol and smoke generatedduring application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generatesdata in response to the sensed aerosol and smoke. The sensor operativelycommunicates the data to the evacuator apparatus and the evacuatorapparatus evacuates the aerosol and smoke as a function of the data.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the evacuator apparatus isconfigured to evacuate the aerosol and smoke along a fluid path. Thesensor senses the smoke and aerosol being evacuated along the fluidpath. The sensor may be disposed within the fluid path or adjacent tothe fluid path. The system may also include another fluid path adaptedto communicate the aerosol and smoke from the fluid path to the sensor.

The system may further include an electrosurgical generator. Theelectrosurgical generator generates the electrosurgical energy and is inoperative communication with the sensor and/or the evacuator apparatus.The electrosurgical generator receives the data and controls theevacuator apparatus. The electrosurgical generator controls theevacuation of the aerosol and smoke as a function of the data. Anelectrosurgical instrument is coupled to the electrosurgical generatorto receive the electrosurgical energy therefrom. The sensor may bedisposed in spaced relation to the electrosurgical instrument.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor includesa quartz crystal microbalance. The system can determine a resonancefrequency of the quartz crystal microbalance utilizing the data. Thesystem may include a sensor component coupled to the quartz crystalmicrobalance to receive the data. The sensor component drives the quartzcrystal microbalance with a drive current. The drive current may includeone or more pulses to determine a dissipation of the quartz crystalmicrobalance. The sensor component can estimate a generation rate of thegenerated aerosols and/or generated smoke. Additionally oralternatively, the sensor senses gas-suspended particulates in theaerosol.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the evacuator apparatusevacuates the aerosol and smoke when a sensed generated aerosol and/orgenerated smoke exceed a predetermined threshold. Additionally oralternatively, the evacuator apparatus evacuates the aerosol and smokesuch that a sensed generation rate of the generated aerosol and/orgenerated smoke is within a predetermined range.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of treatingtissue includes: providing an evacuator apparatus adapted to evacuateone of aerosol and smoke generated during application of electrosurgicalenergy; generating the electrosurgical energy; monitoring for theaerosol and/or smoke generated during application of the electrosurgicalenergy; generating data in response to the sensed aerosol and/or smoke;and adjusting the evacuation of the aerosol and/or smoke as a functionof the data. The monitoring step may utilize a quart crystalmicrobalance and can include: determining a resonance frequency of thequartz crystal microbalance. The adjusting step may adjust theevacuation such that a sensed generation rate of at least one of thegenerated aerosol and the generated smoke is below a predeterminedthreshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical system having asmoke and aerosol sensing system in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical generator coupled toa smoke and aerosol sensor in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a plot showing a relationship between energy depositedrelative to hemostasis and relative smoke produced in accordance withthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrosurgical generator and anevacuator apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram of a method of treating tissue bymonitoring an electrosurgical instrument for aerosol and/or smokegenerated during application of electrosurgical energy in accordancewith the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure inunnecessary detail.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an electrosurgical system100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Electrosurgical system 100 includes an electrosurgical generator 102coupled to an electrosurgical instrument 104. Electrosurgical instrument104 includes a sensor 108 adapted to monitor electrosurgical instrument104. Sensor 108 senses aerosols and/or smoke generated duringapplication of electrosurgical energy. Sensor 108 is coupled toelectrosurgical generator 102 and communicates data thereto.Electrosurgical generator 102 applies the electrosurgical energy as afunction of the data from sensor 108 as discussed in more detail below.

Electrosurgical instrument 104 has one or more active electrodes fortreating tissue of patient P. Electrosurgical instrument 104 maybe anytype of electrosurgical instrument (e.g., monopolar or bipolar) and mayinclude active electrodes designed for a wide variety of electrosurgicalprocedures (e.g., electrosurgical cutting, ablation, etc.).Electrosurgical energy is supplied to electrosurgical instrument 104 byelectrosurgical generator 102 via cable 110, which is connected to anactive output terminal, allowing electrosurgical instrument 104 tocoagulate, ablate, and/or otherwise treat tissue by causing hemostasis.The electrosurgical energy is returned to electrosurgical generator 102through return pad 112 via cable 114 after passing through patient P.

The electrosurgical generator 102 includes input controls 116 (e.g.,buttons, activators, switches, touch screen, etc.) for controllingelectrosurgical system 100. In addition, electrosurgical generator 102includes one or more display screens (not explicitly shown) forproviding the user with variety of output information (e.g., intensitysettings, treatment complete indicators, etc.). The controls 116 allowthe user (e.g., a surgeon, nurse, or technician) to adjust theelectrosurgical energy parameters (e.g., power, waveform, duty cycle,voltage, current, frequency, and/or other parameters) to achieve thedesired electrosurgical energy characteristics suitable for a particulartask (e.g., coagulating, tissue sealing, intensity setting, etc.).Additionally or alternatively, input controls 116 may include a settabledesired tissue effect (e.g., hemostasis, coagulation, ablation,dissection, cutting, and/or to sealing tissue). The electrosurgicalinstrument 104 may also include one or more input controls (notexplicitly shown) that may be redundant with input controls 116 ofelectrosurgical generator 102. Placing the input controls on theelectrosurgical instrument 104 allows for easier and faster modificationof the electrosurgical energy during the surgical procedure withoutrequiring interaction with electrosurgical generator 102.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of anelectrosurgical system 200 including an electrosurgical generator 202 inaccordance with the present disclosure. Electrosurgical generator 202includes a control component 204, a high voltage DC power supply 206(“HVPS”), an RF output stage 208, and a sensor component 210. HVPS 206provides high voltage DC power to RF output stage 208, which thenconverts high voltage DC power into electrosurgical energy and deliversthe electrosurgical energy to electrosurgical instrument 104. Inparticular, RF output stage 208 generates sinusoidal waveforms ofelectrosurgical energy. RF output stage 208 can generate a plurality ofwaveforms having various duty cycles, peak voltages, crest factors andother suitable parameters. Certain types of waveforms are suitable forspecific electrosurgical modes. For instance, RE output stage 208generates a 100% duty cycle sinusoidal waveform in cut mode, which isbest suited for ablating, fusing and dissecting tissue, and a 1-25% dutycycle waveform in coagulation mode, which is best used for cauterizingtissue to stop bleeding.

Control component 204 includes a microprocessor 212 operably connectedto a memory 214, which may be volatile type memory (e.g., RAM) and/ornon-volatile type memory (e.g., flash media, disk media, etc.). Controlcomponent 204 includes an output port that is operably connected to theHVPS 306 and/or RF output stage 208 that allows the control component204 to control the output of electrosurgical generator 202 according toeither open and/or closed control loop schemes. Control component 202may include any suitable logic processor (e.g., control circuit),hardware, software, firmware, or any other logic control adapted toperform the features discussed herein.

Electrosurgical generator 202 includes a current sensor 216 and avoltage sensor 218, and also includes an interface into sensor 108 (andmay include other sensors) for measuring a variety of tissue and energyproperties (e.g., tissue impedance, output current and/or voltage, etc.)and to provide feedback to the control component 204 based on themeasured properties. Current sensor 216 and voltage sensor 218 interfaceinto control component 204 via A/D converters 220 and 222, respectively.Such sensors are within the purview of those skilled in the art. Controlcomponent 204 sends signals to HVPS 206 and/or RF output stage 208 tocontrol the DC and/or RF power supplies, respectively. Control component204 also receives input signals from the input controls (not shown) ofthe electrosurgical generator 202 or electrosurgical instrument 104.Control component 304 utilizes the input signals to adjust the outputpower or the electrosurgical waveform of the electrosurgical generator202 and/or perform other control functions therein. For example, controlcomponent 204 may utilize a feedback loop control algorithm such as aP-I-D control algorithm

Sensor 108 senses aerosol and/or smoke generated during application ofelectrosurgical energy to tissue and communicates data related to thesensed aerosol and/or smoke to electrosurgical generator 102. Theaerosol or smoke generated during electrosurgery may include gases,water vapor, suspended particulates, suspended particles and liquids.

Electrosurgical generator includes sensor component 210 that interfacesinto sensor 108. As previously mentioned, sensor 108 includes a QCM.Sensor component 210 utilizes the QCM to communicate aerosol or smokedata to control component 204. Control component 204 controls thegeneration of the electrosurgical energy as a function of the data. Forexample, control component 204 may adjust the electrosurgical energy toachieve energy-deposited values 410 and 412, or energy deposited range416 (discussed below).

Sensor component 210 may be implemented in suitable circuitry, hardware,software, firmware, bytecode or some combination thereof. Sensorcomponent 210 includes an AC source (not shown) to induce oscillationsin the QCM to generate a standing shear wave. Sensor component 210 alsoincludes a frequency sensor (not shown) and measuring circuitry (notshown). The AC source induces oscillations in the QCM while thefrequency sensor determines the frequency of the induced oscillation toa sufficient accuracy. The measuring circuitry determines the “peak”frequency to determine the resonance frequency of the QCM in sensor 108.Since the frequency oscillation of the QCM is partially dependent on thedeposited mass, using Equation 1 below (discussed below) the massdeposition rate can be measured and correlated to an aerosol or smokegeneration rate. The resonance frequency is roughly inverselyproportional to the deposited mass on the sensing surface of the QCM.However, other techniques of measuring deposited mass on the sensingsurface of the QCM are within the purview of those skilled in the artand may be implemented by sensor component 210, e.g., sensor component210 may measure impedance, “ring-down”, bandwidth, Q-factor,dissipation, complex resonance, mechanical impedance and the like of theQCM. For example, the dissipation and resonance frequency of the QCM maybe determined by sensor component 210 to sense the aerosol and/or smokegenerated by applying a pulse to monitor the “ring-down”. Sensorcomponent 210 extracts information from the “ring-down” to determine thedissipation of the QCM. Additionally or alternatively, temperature,pressure, and/or bending stress compensation may be utilized by sensor108.

Sensor component 210 communicates data to control component 204. Thecommunication may be continuous or intermittent. The data may becommunicated in analog form, digital form, using a pulse width modulatedsignal, using a frequency or analog modulated signal, or any othercommunication technology. Control component 204 uses the data to controlthe generation of the electrosurgical energy (as discussed above).Control component 204 may use the data from sensor component 210 to forma feedback control loop such as a P-I-D control algorithm. Additionallyor alternatively, control component 204 may control the generation ofthe electrosurgical energy by apply a feed-forward control technique.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of anelectrosurgical system 300 having an evacuator apparatus 302. Theelectrosurgical generator 202′ is coupled to a sensor 108′ disposedalong a fluid path of evacuator apparatus 302 to monitor electrosurgicalinstrument by sensing aerosol and/or smoke in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Evacuator apparatus 302 includes hose 304 connectedto pump 306. Air with aerosol or smoke generated during application ofelectrosurgery via electrosurgical instrument 104′ is carried fromnozzle 308 along hose 304 to pump 306. Pump 306 forces the air and smokeand/or aerosol through filter 310 to remove the aerosol or smoke fromthe air.

Sensor 108′ is coupled to sensor component 210, which communicates datato control component 204. Control component 204 controls the generationof the electrosurgical energy as a function of the data from sensor108′, similarly to electrosurgical generator 102 of FIG. 1 orelectrosurgical generator 202 of FIG. 2. Sensor 108′ may be disposedalong any portion of the fluid path. The fluid path evacuates fluid fromthe vicinity of electrosurgical instrument 104′, within hose 304,through pump 306 and to filter 310. The fluid path includes the regionaround electrosurgical instrument 104′, within hose 304, through pump306, through filter 310 and the region where the filter air is ejected.

Evacuator 302 is operatively connected to control component 204. Controlcomponent 204 controls the operation of the pump 206 within evacuatorapparatus 302 as a function of the aerosol or smoke sensed by sensor108′. Additionally or alternatively, another quartz crystal microbalancemay be connected to evacuator apparatus 302 to control pump 306 eitherdirectly or through electrosurgical generator 202′.

Sensor 108′ may include a quartz crystal microbalance (referred toherein as “QCM”) which includes a sensing surface (not explicitlyshown). Sensor 108′ has a resonance frequency that is related to themass deposited or affixed to the sensing surface. The relationshipbetween resonance frequency and mass, allows for estimation of depositedmass and/or changes in the deposited mass by monitoring the resonancefrequency (or other properties) of sensor 108′. The generated aerosol orsmoke deposits solid particles, particulates, liquids and/or vapors onthe sensing surface of sensor 108′, which changes the mass of the sensor108′ thereby affecting the resonance frequency. By monitoring theresonance frequency (or changes in the resonance frequency) of sensor108′, the aggregate (or a rate of) deposition of mass on sensor 108'ssensing surface may be used by electrosurgical generator 202′ to controlthe generation of the electrosurgical energy based on the sensed aerosolor smoke.

The resonance frequency of sensor 108′ (or sensor 108 of FIGS. 1 and 2)may be determined based on the piezoelectric properties of the QCM. Massand frequency changes are correlated based on the Sauerbrey Equation,which assumes the mass deposited on the sensing surface is a thin filmextension of the quartz crystal thereby affecting the resonancefrequency. The resonance frequency is roughly inversely proportional tothe deposited mass on the sensing surface of the QCM; however,temperature, pressure and bending stress also may affect the resonancefrequency. The Sauerbrey Equation is Equation 1 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta\; f} = {{- \frac{2f_{Q}^{2}}{A\;\rho_{Q}v_{Q}}}\Delta\; m}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

In Equation 1, f_(Q) is the resonant frequency, ρ_(Q) is the density ofthe quartz crystal and v_(Q) is the shear wave velocity in quartz. Inembodiments, the crystal structure of the QCM included in sensor 108 isconducive to f_(Q), ρ_(Q), and v_(Q) having predictable valuesfacilitating calibration without complicated or expensive equipment. TheQCM is sensitive enough to detect very small masses, such as from solidparticles, particulates, liquids and/or vapors deposited on the sensingsurface and may be utilized to quantify aerosols or smoke generatedduring application of the electrosurgical generator.

Referring to FIG. 4, a plot 400 shows a relationship between energydeposited to relative hemostasis and smoke produced in accordance withthe present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, plot 400 describesseveral control algorithms (or functions) utilized by electrosurgicalgenerator 102 (or electrosurgical generator 202 of FIG. 2 and/orelectrosurgical generator 202′ of FIG. 3) to control the generation ofelectrosurgical energy, during which the electrosurgical generator 102generates the electrosurgical energy as a function of sensed aerosol orsmoke as monitored by sensor 108. Plot 400 includes lines 402 and 404plotted on axes 406 and 408. Axis 406 illustrates the energy depositedonto tissue of patient P by electrosurgical generator 102. Axis 408shows the relative hemostasis and relative smoke produced as a functionof the energy deposited. Line 402 shows the smoke production rate as afunction of energy deposited. First energy-deposited value 410 is avalue along axis 406 of which smoke begins to generate, in other words,below first energy-deposited value 410, the generated smoke is aboutzero. Additionally, first energy-deposited value 410 intersects line 404at point 414 corresponding to a value of hemostasis occurring in thetissue of patient P being treated by electrosurgical instrument 104.Thus, by applying energy at the first energy-deposited value 410, smokeis not produced and a clinically significant amount of hemostasis (seepoint 414) occurs in the treated tissue.

As previously mentioned, electrosurgical generator 102 has inputs 116 inwhich a desired tissue affect is settable. When a hemostasis tissueeffect is set via input controls 116, electrosurgical generator 102generates electrosurgical energy below energy-deposited value 410 bymonitoring the smoke generation rate as sensed by sensor 108.Electrosurgical generator 102 accomplishes the desired energy-depositedvalue 410 by reducing the electrosurgical energy such that the sensedgeneration rate of smoke is below a predetermined threshold.Electrosurgical generator may generate the electrosurgical energy suchthat the smoke generation rate 402 is about zero (in hemostasis mode)while the hemostasis rate is sufficient to treat tissue

In certain situations, it may be desirable to supply additional energyat the expense of smoke generated. Thus, electrosurgical generator 102in another embodiment adjusts the electrosurgical energy based on asecond energy-deposited value 412, in which a minimal amount of smoke isgenerated. Second energy-deposited value 412 is accomplished byelectrosurgical generator 102 controlling the generation of theelectrosurgical energy to remain below another predetermined threshold.Other ranges or value may be utilized by electrosurgical generator 102,e.g., electrosurgical generator 102 may control the generation of theelectrosurgical energy to achieve energy-deposited range 416.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram of a method500 of treating tissue in accordance with the present disclosure. Method500 includes steps 502 through 512. Step 502 provides an electrosurgicalgenerator, such as electrosurgical generator 102 of FIG. 1 orelectrosurgical generator 202 of FIG. 2. Step 504 provides anelectrosurgical instrument coupled to the electrosurgical generator ofstep 502. The electrosurgical instrument receives electrosurgical energyfrom the electrosurgical generator. Step 506 generates theelectrosurgical energy and step 508 monitors the electrosurgicalinstrument for aerosol and/or smoke utilizing a QCM. Step 510 generatesdata in response to the sensed aerosol and/or smoke. Step 512communicates the data of the monitored aerosol and/or smoke to theelectrosurgical generator. Step 514 adjusts the electrosurgical energyas a function of the data. Step 514 may implement any of the algorithmsdiscussed regarding FIG. 4, e.g., adjusting the electrosurgical energysuch that energy-deposited value 410 is achieved.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modification canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. For example, other aerosol, particulates or gas sensors maybe utilized by the electrosurgical system to estimate the aerosolgeneration rate. Additionally, the electrosurgical instrument may be abipolar electrosurgical instrument, e.g., such as bipolar forceps.

1. An electrosurgical system, comprising: an evacuator apparatus adaptedto evacuate at least one of aerosol and smoke generated duringapplication of electrosurgical energy; a sensor operatively coupled tothe evacuator apparatus adapted to sense the at least one of the aerosoland the smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energyand to generate data in response to the sensed at least one of theaerosol and the smoke, wherein the sensor operatively communicates thedata to the evacuator apparatus and the evacuator apparatus evacuatesthe at least one of the aerosol and the smoke as a function of the data,wherein the evacuator apparatus is configured to evacuate the at leastone of the aerosol and the smoke along a first fluid path, wherein thesensor is configured to sense the at least one of the aerosol and thesmoke being evacuated along the first fluid path; and a second fluidpath in operative fluid communication with the first fluid path and thesensor, wherein the second fluid path is adapted to communicate the atleast one of the aerosol and the smoke from the first fluid path to thesensor.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor isdisposed within the first fluid path.
 3. The system according to claim1, wherein the sensor is disposed adjacent to the first fluid path. 4.The system according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrosurgicalgenerator configured to generate the electrosurgical energy, theelectrosurgical generator in operative communication with the sensor andthe evacuator apparatus, wherein the electrosurgical generator isadapted to receive the data and to control the evacuator apparatusthereby controlling the evacuation of the at least one of aerosol andthe smoke as a function of the data.
 5. The system according to claim 1,further comprising: an electrosurgical instrument operatively coupled tothe electrosurgical generator configured to receive the electrosurgicalenergy therefrom.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the sensoris disposed in spaced relation to the electrosurgical instrument.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a quartzcrystal microbalance.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein thesystem determines a resonance frequency of the quartz crystalmicrobalance utilizing the data.
 9. The system according to claim 1,further comprising: a sensor component operatively coupled to the quartzcrystal microbalance to receive the data therefrom, wherein the sensorcomponent is adapted to drive the quartz crystal microbalance with adrive current.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the sensorcomponent drives the quartz crystal microbalance with at least one pulseof the drive current to determine a dissipation of the quartz crystalmicrobalance.
 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the sensorcomponent estimates a generation rate of at least one of the generatedaerosol and the generated smoke.
 12. The system according to claim 1,wherein the sensor senses gas-suspended particulates in the aerosol. 13.The system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuator apparatusevacuates the at least one of the aerosol and the smoke when a sensed atleast one of the generated aerosol and the generated smoke exceeds apredetermined threshold.
 14. The system according to claim 1, theevacuator apparatus evacuates the at least one of the aerosol and thesmoke such that a sensed generation rate of at least one of thegenerated aerosol and the generated smoke is within a predeterminedrange.